Snaking flexible track prewar, don't know name

[Boyd]

Just got it at a train show for $5.00. About 6-1/2 feet long. Each wooden tie is attached to 3 metal links of the metal track. Each metal link is about 3/4" long. This track bends like a snake. Think of toy plastic snakes that are in sections and bend. This is similar. The seller said its prewar. It is 3 rail. Running cars over it makes quite a clatter. There are brass wires running under each rail for its length. Does anyone know who made this? I don't know how to post photos. Can someone PM me their email and I can email them pictures of this track so they can post it on this thread. I will email that person photos after I get home from work tonight. There is no train that could bend and dip as much as this track will.

[Northwoods Flyer]

What you are describing sounds like a product called Flex-i-Track. I have some of it in the original box.  I will see if I can find it and take a picture and post it.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[ogauge]

 Yep Flexitrack for sure.  should have a K inside a C pressed into the tie on one end of the track (at least mine did!) I remember some discussion of it in the early 90's TCA quarterly.  I've had a few hunks of it in the past.  It ran fine although it was kind of bumpy, it was like the wheels were hitting the tie spikes on every tie...I wouldn't want it on a layout.  It is definitely unique!

[Boyd]

 The pictures I took didn't turn out well. If anyone else could post pictures that would be great.

[msacco]

Yes, someone please post a pic. I've not seen this track before.

 

Mike S.

[butleryard]

 That's right. It was called Flex-i-track. Was made by Parfait Products out of Chicago. Possibly in the 40's or 50's. There may have been another company that made this also but don't exactly recall.

They also made a  Flex-i-track viaduct for an over and under track layout and the best item they made was a REVERSIBLE switch. You would flip the switch over for either right hand or left hand operation. Kind of unique for the time.

 But as mentioned above, I don't think I would like a layout with this on it. The track is bumpy and causes alot of noise espescially if you have it on plywood.

[Northwoods Flyer]

Alright then folks, you are about to enter a post that has more information than you could ever possibly want or need about Flex-i-Track. 

Here are views of the box top and the four sides, which have some interesting artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think it is interesting that the illustrations show a streamlined engine.

 

On the bottom of the box is a tag from John Wanamaker for $3.50

 

 

 

Here are some views of the "famous" Flex-i -Track itself

 

 

 

 

 This is the logo that Ogauge mentions impressed on the end of the track section

 

 

Some additional pictures of the track

 

 

 

It defintely has some flexibility.  How would you like grades like this?

 

 

 

It comes in two lengths that I know of -   62" and 80"

 

 

It has the ability to bend into some nice curves; these illustrate what can be made without any additional pressure applied to make them into a tighter curve.

 

 

I doubt that I would ever want to use these on a layout, but they are an interesting idea, and a novelty.

 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

 

 

[wyomingscout]

 Northwoods Flyer, thanks for the photos.  I love the look of that stuff!!  I think it would be unique in a 'yard'.  I'll have to keep an eye out for some in junk antique stores.

Charlie

[phillyreading]

An unusual kind of track to say the least, could flex very well from the photos, if made today would be very expensive per foot, like $15.00 foot

Looks like something that Ives or American Flyer would have made.

Lee F.

[n1vets333]

I have a roll of this as well, the one I have almost looks unused, excellent box with paper work, anyone know the going rate for this stuff?

[balidas]

I also have a section of this track, the shorter one. Just never got around to asking about it.

[doc48]

Creating a special project and looking to purchase this type of track. I purchased some at a recent show in the area and became facinated by the possibilities. Please reply if interested in sell or any good connections to help locate. 

[balidas]

You're welcome to my section of track. I have pix I can send as soon as I can find them. I have no clue as to value, but at least cover the shipping, which shouldn't be all that much, and it's your's.

[Boyd]

There has been some on ebay in the last 10 days. If its gone do a search. If search comes up zero you can click on save this search and you will get an email the next time one is listed using the same words you typed in.

[mitchelr]

Right now there is an eBay listing Item # 110645485801  that has 19 rolls up for sale.  Low price $9.99 but shipping is $50.

Mitch

[doc48]

Thanks for the offer. i am interested send me a note how to contacvt you.